In recent years, Andrew McCutchen has slowed down. He is no longer the MVP of old, but still: he is still useful on a ball field.
No, he wasn’t an above-average hitter in 2022 (his OPS+ of 99 shows he’s 1% worse than average), but at the right price, he can be an asset.
Why? For the leadership that he can bring into a locker room.
I have a feeling that at a reasonable price, the outfielder (turned hitter of choice in Milwaukee in 2022) could make a budget club happy.
And the Rays name comes to mind.
The veteran could help an attack in a more limited role and could therefore, at a small cost, be an option for the Florida club.
The Rays were linked with the player earlier in December.
If he is still free at this point, it is not because the outfielder expects to hit the jackpot. Joining the Rays would help the club for its versatility and help him.
After all, the Rays have a good club and they could, once again, fight for the playoffs.
I don’t know with what formation he will end up signing, but I really have the feeling that the fit could be good for 2023. Unless the Pirates invite themselves…
